Christian Spiritualism

[rosesaredeadvioletsaretoo]

I’m wanting to find out more about Christian Spiritualism and was wondering if anyone might have an recommendations for resources/books/courses/groups and so on?

@Feelingathomenow, but regardless of Paul's teaching (which are a many & should be read with a regards to their context) for a moment, the big question is whether you seek unity with God through Christ? Or whether you simply regard Christ as showing it is possible for humans to achieve Divine status, become as gods themselves...

All a bit Adam and Eve really and the fall really....

Meister Eckhart?

i don’t see those things as mutually exclusive. But as I said- this has nothing to do with the OPs post. Happy to discuss but perhaps create a separate thread.

As it is, no one can say why it is not possible to have Christian Spiritualism, I would take the Book of Daniel as a useful guide - to the original poster, have a look at previous links and pop along to your local spiritualist church if it’s something you’re interested in. There’s nothing in the bible to prevent it’s practice.

@Feelingathomenow

As it is, no one can say why it is not possible to have Christian Spiritualism, I would take the Book of Daniel as a useful guide - to the original poster, have a look at previous links and pop along to your local spiritualist church if it’s something you’re interested in. There’s nothing in the bible to prevent its practice.

But that would depend on a very particular reading of the Bible. A very particular reading which does not concur with mainstream Christianity.

In relation to the OP it would depend on whether this would concern them - I think it is worth pointing out because it might - on how relevant commenting upon this aspect of Spiritualism is to the thread.

@Feelingathomenow, as an actual aside is your user name purposely referencing Atho (the horned god)?

Well yes every interpretation of everything relies on a particular perspective. I would point out the purpose/agenda and subsequent actions of those who interpret and decide the “mainstream Christian view” over the centuries would make it the least appealing.

It’s a reference to feeling at home bothe spiritually, mentally and physically 😀

@Feelingathomenow 🤦‍♀️😂

@Feelingathomenow my mistake then..funny how individuals can read the same thing very differently!!!

I'm a Christian and you are correct. In fact the bible warns to separate ourselves from such things. Leviticus 19:31 warns against seeking spiritists. There is spirituality within Christianity, God is Spirit and the Holy Spirit comes from God which is to guide us in everything as taught by Christ. However, we are told to be cautious in spiritual matters as explained in this verse Isaiah 8:19 otherwise one can be led astray.

Thanks @LadeOde that's what I thought. As I said, I am neither a Christian nor a spiritualist but I would be very guarded against such a practice as I do believe there are manifestations of evil. I'm surprised to discover (from this thread) that Christian spiritualism exists.

Ah Leviticus 19 that wonderful work in the Old Testament that tells us it’s not as bad taping a female slave as to commit adultery, not to cut the hair on the side of your head or trim beards. And most importantly never, under any circumstances to wear anything made from more than one type of fibre!

The proper interpretation of the word הָאֹבֹת֙ used in verse 31 is necromancer. I have never seen necromancy in any spiritualist church.

As a matter of interest do you have trouble with wearing mixed fibres and men trimming beards as they are also forbidden by the the same chapter in Leviticus, what about enslaved women being worth less than free women.

Sorry, I don’t know what your point is.

Very unpleasant and actually extremely distasteful language used here to say very little of consequence.

I don’t wish to continue conversation with you. Bye.

What particular issue are you taking offence at here?

The point is much of “Christianity” both in doctrine and practice has very little to do with the actual teachings of Jesus

When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. Deuteronomy 18:9-12.

This isn't Levitical Law @Feelingathomenow, these commands were given to the whole nation of Israel.

There are other references within the Old Testament and they're condemned within the New Testament, meaning the command is still relevant today. Also see 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, Revelation 9:20, Romans 1:21-25, 1 John 4:1-3.

In Acts 16:16-19 the slave girl who could tell fortunes was actually demon possessed. In Acts 19:18-20 those who had practiced 'magic arts' burned their valuable books in public as a sign they had renounced their former involvement with the occult.

Christian Spiritualism is an oxymoron.

You're making me laugh with these quotes from the OT and NT against magic, necromancy etc. All through the Middle Ages Christians and Jews (especially monks) practiced magic, divination, necormancy you name it! Jewish and Christian Kabbalah/Cabala is famous. They also prcticed alchemy and let's not forget Court Astrologers! like John Dee to Elizabeth I. And of course Renaissance Popes like Julius II, Leo X, Paul III etc. Astrology has uniquely continued uninterrupted since antiquity.

The biblical prohibition is basically to get rid of competition..Levantine and Middle Eastern polytheism is henotheistic, meaning a goddess/god vies to be the top of the hierarchy.
With divination, magic, necromancy is Yahweh/Jesus not working for you? Go to the competition; try Apollo's oracle , pray to Astarte or Dionysus.or try that local magic worker. Many of whom were female and of course get shut out of male-dominated monotheism.

Queen Victoria was an ardent Christian spiritualist. .She and Prince Albert participated in seances, supported mediums and was a famous patron. If she can be one OP you're in good company!

We’ve already gone through Deuteronomy upthread if you care to look, I was replying to a specific quote from Leviticus

I did @Feelingathomenow and I believe you're wrong to be so dismissive of it.

Just because Queen Victoria did it, doesn't make it right @Sorciere1.

I know very little about the Bible. I'm an agnostic but I always thought that none of the monotheistic religions, namely Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism permitted communication with the dead or any other "psychic" practices. If this thread was entitled Islamic spiritualism I would be equally curious to know how it aligns with Muslim beliefs. I'm just generally interested to know. I have no opinion either way. To partially answer your question though, I am unable to wear wool or wool mix as it gives me eczema and I'm not particularly keen on beards.

You see though there is a difference between what a religion says and what is said at source in many cases.

The main aim of the church is compliance rather than spiritual enlightenment. It should also remembered the audience for the OT was basically the kings and nobility.

I don’t wear wool because I’m vegan but definitely mixed cotton and linen - so I’m definitely going to hell in a handcart. I’ve seen my husband trim his beard so at least he will be there too!

And I believe I’m right based on my reading of the bible. But that’s the story of any religion really.

But it's not about you.